Sensitive Skin Care: Signs, Symptoms And Best Skin Care Routine

August 9, 2018

Written By:

Alisha Whitley

Does your skin have a sensitive side? Caring for sensitive skin can be a struggle - and choosing the right products for your skin type can feel like rolling the dice. One misstep and you could aggravate your temperamental complexion, bringing about a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Here is everything you need to know about sensitive skin, as well as our tips for keeping it calm, cool and collected.

What Is Sensitive Skin?

If you struggle with sensitive skin, you aren’t alone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 50% of people in the United States report experiencing some form of skin sensitivity. With its wide variety of symptoms, sensitive skin does not manifest the same way for everyone. Its severity can range from moderate discomfort to severe reactions, and its frequency can fluctuate from the occasional flare-up to more persistent, daily sensitivity.

Sensitive Skin Vs. Sensitized Skin

There is a key distinction to be made between “sensitive” and “sensitized” skin. According to The International Dermal Institute: “There is sensitive skin (a genetic trait) and there is sensitized skin, a growing phenomenon worldwide caused by increased exposure to pollution, stress and chemicals.” Sensitive and sensitized skin share several of the same symptoms, but their root causes differ.

Sensitive skin is a skin type. It is caused by a genetic predisposition to skin sensitivity and irritation. It is also a common symptom of genetic conditions like psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. You cannot change your skin type, but you can adjust your daily habits and skin care routine to manage its symptoms.

On the other hand, sensitized skin is a skin condition. It is characterized by skin irritation that builds over time due to environmental influences and lifestyle choices. Skincare by Alana says: “Some of the biggest factors causing sensitized skin are pollution, stress and alcohol consumption.” Unlike sensitive skin, the symptoms of sensitized skin can be “fixed” over time with targeted skin care products and lifestyle changes.

Sensitive and sensitized skin share a key characteristic - a compromised lipid barrier. Your skin’s lipid barrier is its protective, fatty outer layer that performs two functions: It keeps water in and environmental stressors (like UV rays, harsh chemicals and pollution) out. Emily Newsom, MD tells SELF: “You can think of your skin barrier like a brick wall put together with mortar between the skin cells.” In sensitive or sensitized skin, that mortar has been weakened and is more permeable. When an irritant sneaks through the lipid barrier, your immune system issues an inflammatory response. That response - characterized by redness, pain and itching - is what you experience as sensitivity.

1. Flushes Easily

Everyday Health says: “Whether your face turns red after cleansing or just from facing a gust of chilly wind, your skin’s propensity to flush is a sign that its barrier function is compromised.” This redness is due to an inflammatory response from your immune system, which rushes blood to the surface of your skin in an attempt to heal it.

2. Prone To Rashes & Bumps

When sensitive skin is exposed to a trigger, it will often react with a red, flaky or bumpy rash. Healthgrades says this is especially true for topical products like facial serums and moisturizers that are meant to be left on the skin rather than rinsed off.

3. Itchy

In addition to rashes and bumps, sensitive skin may feel itchy and tight - particularly after cleansing with products that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. It is often accompanied by dryness and/or dehydration, which can also leave skin feeling prickly and parched.

5. Reacts To Fragrance

Dermatologists agree that fragrance is one of the most notorious causes of skin irritation and sensitivity. From laundry detergents to personal care products, many consumer goods contain synthetic fragrances that can cause a reaction in sensitive skin.

Tips For Sensitive Skin

You may not be able to change your sensitive skin type, but there are several tips you can follow to keep your symptoms under wraps:

1. Avoid Long, Hot Showers

It’s time to swap your long, hot showers for shorter, lukewarm ones. Why? Sensitive skin often reacts negatively to heat exposure which breaks down the skin’s lipid barrier. Melissa Piliang, MD tells SELF: “Think about it like butter on a knife. If you put it under cold water, the fat on the knife doesn’t go anywhere. But if you put it under warm water, those lipids will melt away. It’s the same kind of issue with the lipid layer in our skin. If you put your skin in hot water or use harsh soaps, then it tends to wash that outer protective fatty layer away.”

2. Be Aware Of Triggers

One of the best ways to manage your symptoms is to be aware of the environmental and lifestyle triggers that cause your skin to react. The more you know, the better you can identify them and take precautionary measures. Triggers differ from person to person, but often include:

5. Perform A Patch Test

Always perform a patch test before adding new products to your skin care routine. Women’s Health advises: “Do a test run on a small, inconspicuous patch of skin (like behind your ear) before applying. Wait at least 24 hours for signs of irritation, redness, or other skin freak-outs. If your skin is hypersensitive, repeat this test run on a patch next to your eye. All clear? You’re safe to apply with abandon.”

6. Moisturize

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy lipid barrier is to moisturize - day and night. An effective moisturizer will replenish skin’s outer layer and prevent water loss, helping to prevent penetration by potential irritants. When choosing a moisturizer, we recommend looking for ingredients that are high in fatty acids (like shea butter, jojoba oil and coconut oil), as well as humectants (like hyaluronic acid) that work to increase hydration and lock in moisture.

7. Apply SPF

Sensitive skin is extra-responsive to the sun’s rays - and UV protection is a must. However, as dermatologistShari Marchbein tells Allure: “People with sensitive skin can have a hard time finding sunscreens, as most are made with chemical UV blockers that can cause stinging, burning, irritations and redness when applied to the skin.” We suggest using a mineral sunscreen that contains physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to shield your skin from damaging UV rays.

8. Simplify Your Beauty Routine

Sensitive skin is easily overwhelmed by an abundance of products. Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz tells Refinery29: “I always suggest patients with sensitive skin to simplify their skin care routine. Strip it down to the basics by using gentle cleansers and moisturizers without lots of detergents and fragrances. Then, slowly introduce other agents one at a time.” As always, perform a patch test before adding additional products to your routine.

Sensitive Skin Care Routine

Essential ROUTINE

When it comes to sensitive skin, less is more. We recommend starting simple with these essential skin care steps.

CleanseDermatologists recommend using a gel or cream cleanser that removes impurities without causing irritation or unnecessary dryness. When cleansing, use your fingertips rather than a washcloth or brush, rinse with cool water and gently pat your face dry. Most importantly, don’t overdo it. Skincare By Alana says: “For sensitive skin, washing the face once per day should be enough to keep it clean.”

ToneSay goodbye to alcohol-based, astringent toners that can leave your face feeling tight and itchy. Instead, use a toner or facial mist with skin-soothing ingredients that will help improve the appearance of redness and inflammation.

We recommend: Stone Crop Hydrating MistRefreshing Stone Crop Hydrating Mist is infused with stone crop juice and aloe to hydrate and heal dry skin, revealing a soft and fresh complexion. Meredith says in her 5-star review: “I mist this on my face after cleansing and before I apply my nighttime moisturizer or daytime sunscreen and LOVE it! I have pretty sensitive skin that gets easily irritated and itchy and this always calms, hydrates and smooths my skin. It is amazing how much better my skin looks and feels after misting this on! I can't be without it! Thank you, Eminence!”

MoisturizeFor sensitive skin, look for moisturizers that not only replenish your skin’s moisture barrier but also contain soothing ingredients that will calm and comfort your complexion.

We recommend: Calm Skin Chamomile MoisturizerChamomile, calendula and arnica combine in this moisturizer to soothe chapped cheeks and reduce redness due to dryness. Carmen says: “When my skin becomes red and itchy from the winds and change of weather, this is the only non-medicinal moisturizer I have used so far that will calm my skin overnight. I used to slather it on my face only when I suffer from redness and itchiness, but I am now using it every day.”

If your skin is both sensitive and oily, our expert estheticians recommend lightweight Rosehip Whip Moisturizer, which helps reduce discomfort and even the appearance of easily irritated dry skin.

Enhanced Routine

Now that you’ve mastered the essentials, it’s time to let the fun begin. We recommend introducing these extras one at a time to your skin care routine.

ExfoliateSensitive skin can still be exfoliated, gently. Skincare By Alana advises: “Try limiting exfoliation to once or twice per week. It can help remove dead skin cells and freshen up your skin, but overdoing it can make your skin feel raw or irritated.” Skip harsh scrubs and opt instead for gentle peels that don’t aggravate your complexion.

We recommend: Calm Skin Chamomile Exfoliating PeelThis peel uses lactic and mandelic acids to gently exfoliate sensitive skin without irritation. It is formulated with soothing ingredients like chamomile, calendula and arnica flower that relieve redness due to dryness and leave skin feeling soft, smooth and revitalized.

MaskFace masks are one of the best ways to soothe sensitive skin. They not only offer the ultimate pampering experience but also deliver calming ingredients to the skin. Dr. Annie Chiu tells Fitness Magazine: “I think masks are great for targeted skin problems, like dry or sensitive skin.”

We recommend: Calm Skin Arnica MasqueEminence Organics Product Support Representative and Certified Esthetician Alicia Hawthorne says this gentle mask “helps to diminish signs of redness while relieving and softening dry skin. Arnica, marigold and shea butter all work together to soothe dry, sensitive skin.” Allure is also a fan of this soothing treatment, calling it one of the Best Face Masks For Reducing Redness. Dermatologist Arash Akhavan tells the beauty mag: “It contains arnica and calming oils, such as linseed oil, which soothe irritated skin.”

We recommend: Facial Recovery OilThis award-winning facial oil is formulated with the purest Biodynamic® ingredients to tone and hydrate skin. Eminence Organics expert Alicia says: “Amazing to hydrate, soothe and reduce redness due to dryness. It can be applied under your moisturizer, worn on its own or simply used by adding a couple of drops to your moisturizer. It also has beautiful oils in it to help soothe dry skin: ylang ylang, clary sage oil and sage leaf extract.”